Missinaibi River
Camp 95 to Mattice
Departs Smooth Rock Falls, Ont.
4 days / 3 nights
Distance: 72 km
Skill Level: Intermediate
Introduction
The Missinaibi is one of Canada’s great unspoiled rivers. It sits in a corner of North Eastern Ontario. It starts from it’s lake source north of Chapleau runs some 400 kilometers to join the Moose River in the heart of the James Bay Lowlands. The Missinaibi was a major fur trading route where voyageurs a century ago would paddle their fur pelts to the historic trading post of James Bay.
There is no power dam on this remote river. Canoeist from around the world have paddled sections of this pristine river. Will concentrate on a section of this river that we access from an old logging road bridge that crosses the river at a abandoned bush camp from day’s long ago. Interesting enough for a river that stretches over 400 k.m.s. there are only four five access points. So you can see why it’s a paddlers paradise. However it is a river that should be paddled by canoeist with experience and a qualified guide. The section we run is one of the most breathtaking. Seven different falls including the scenic Beaver and Glassy. Dozen set of rapids ranging from class one to three. Well Sharp Rock could be a four. But you better have impressed your guide on the river coming down, if your thinking of getting the clearance to run this one. If the water level, canoe skills are there, Devils Cap is all you need. All of these rapids can be portaged or lined.
At Howling Wolf Expeditions priorities are safety, nutrition, and hydration. Our paddling segments have been designed to allow for ample time around the campsite in the evenings, so our clientele can relax around the campfire, trade the day’s stories and anticipate what awaits them tomorrow. Will visit the Cree burial site that sits a kilometer above the town of Mattice. Tombstones dating back a century ago. Lots of wildlife on this river. Eagles are very common, along with the odd osprey. This river package has it all, falls, rapids, scenery ,wildlife, grave site and a lot of character. When you step out of your canoe in Mattice you will know why the Missinaibi River is one of Canada’s great wilderness rivers.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Your adventure starts in Smooth Rock Falls Ontario on day one. First you will meet your guide (Rick) early that morning, discuss your trip over a hearty breakfast. Then we shuttle the vehicles down to Mattice at the takeout location. Will drive down an old logging road to our put in on the Missinaibi River. Easy little paddle down to Two Portage Falls. Short distance to Pond Falls. Camp here, or perhaps at the next falls just a short distance away, Devils Cap. Regardless these spots are all cozy. Always nice to spend the night under the stars, with the rumble of the falls just a stones throw away. Spend the evening around the campfire, exchange stories discuss the layout for tomorrow. Relax, toss in a line for walleye.
Day 2
Day 2 starts with a hearty breakfast. Which might include pancakes, muffins, granola, oatmeal or dried fruits. You will be burning calories today. We'll be running some solid rapids as soon as we launch our canoes. The morning is spent scouting, running rapids. Will hit Wilsons bend early afternoon (swifts). Late afternoon on the Albany Rapids. Lengthy rapid with not much bite. Very scenic all kinds of round white boulders dotting the river. Excellent area to view wildlife, for the moose, bear love this location. We work our way down to Big Beaver Falls. I’ve noticed in some books they call this a rapid. Well if this one is a rapid, I’d like to see what they call a falls. Beautiful spot, river splits into two gorges. We camp high up on the rock face. Campfire will burn bright tonight for the adrenalin will still be pumping for awhile from what we seen and achieved today.
